1 day ago
Calcutta High Court Orders Protection for Mahua Moitra
The Calcutta High Court ordered extra police protection for MP Mahua Moitra.
Two more police officers will accompany her when she visits her constituency.
This includes visits for political programmes and public outreach.
Moitra said protesters had harassed her and thrown objects such as eggs and potatoes.
She also said protesters had blocked roads and surrounded her vehicle.
The state government said she already had security because she is a Member of Parliament.
The court said stronger protection was needed so she could do her job safely.
The protection will last for 30 days or until the next hearing on October 1, whichever comes first.
The Calcutta High Court ordered two additional police personnel for Mahua Moitra during visits to her constituency.
The protection applies to political programmes and public outreach for 30 days or until the October 1 hearing, whichever comes first.
Moitra alleged repeated harassment, including egg-pelting, thrown potatoes, black flags, road blockades and obstruction.
The West Bengal government said Moitra already had parliamentary security and that police had acted on complaints.
The court directed Moitra to notify the Nadia district police superintendent in writing at least 48 hours before visits and warned the situation could escalate.
- Who
- Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, the West Bengal Police, the West Bengal government and protesters in her constituency.
- What
- The Calcutta High Court ordered two additional police personnel to protect Moitra during constituency visits.
- Where
- Moitra’s parliamentary constituency of Krishnanagar in West Bengal, including the Chapra area.
- When
- The order was issued on Tuesday and applies for 30 days or until the October 1 hearing, whichever comes first.
- Why
- Moitra alleged repeated protests, object-throwing and obstruction that interfered with her duties as an elected representative.
Moitra’s Allegations
West Bengal Government’s Position
Need for enhanced security
Moitra’s Allegations
Moitra’s lawyers said repeated protests, object-throwing and obstruction prevented her from freely performing her responsibilities as an elected representative.
West Bengal Government’s Position
The state argued that Moitra already received security as a Member of Parliament and that police had taken appropriate action whenever complaints were made.
Political nature of protests
Moitra’s Allegations
Moitra’s lawyer alleged that the protests were politically motivated and amounted to deliberate harassment of the elected representative.
West Bengal Government’s Position
The government’s position, as reported, focused on the existing security arrangements and police responses rather than accepting the allegation of politically motivated harassment.
Effect on democratic duties
Moitra’s Allegations
Moitra’s side argued that she was being prevented from carrying out her constituency responsibilities freely.
West Bengal Government’s Position
The court, rather than the state, emphasized that attacks or obstruction involving elected representatives were not healthy for democratic politics and ordered additional protection.
Key facts
- Court
- Calcutta High Court
- Judge
- Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya
- Additional protection
- Two police personnel
- Coverage
- Visits for political programmes and public outreach in the constituency
- Duration
- 30 days or until the October 1 hearing, whichever comes first
- Advance notice
- Written notice to the Nadia district police superintendent at least 48 hours before visits
- Reported incidents
- Eggs and potatoes allegedly thrown at Moitra’s convoy; protesters also displayed black flags and blocked roads
Sources
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